You could take money instead in a lottery, and there were monetary wins as well, however, real goods were not at good supply in stores, so winning a car or a good refrigerator was more attractive. Most importantly, the cars were hard to buy, preferred ones, like Ladas, were distributed through work places to those who "deserved" a right to buy. It was really ugly!!!!. A limited amount was sold through auto stores, but it was tricky to catch a moment when you can get them. That's where I got mine.